Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in St. Petersburg as an observer state head, the presidential press service reported.

The meeting was chaired by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko with the participation of the leaders of Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. The presidents of Cuba and Iran made video appeals, and the Minister of Trade of Indonesia was also present.

The agenda of the meeting included issues of expanding trade and economic cooperation, developing industrial cooperation, transport, and implementing joint programs.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that cooperation with the EEU countries is one of the priorities of foreign economic policy. Over four years of observer status, Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with the Union countries has almost doubled and approached $20 billion.

The implementation of the Cooperation Plan with the Eurasian Economic Commission until 2026 continues, which includes about 40 events in the fields of trade, industry, finance, agriculture, and transport. The next meeting of the joint working group is planned to be held in Tashkent.

Uzbekistan participates in the EEU’s programs on digitalization of trade and transportation, development of e-commerce, and climate initiatives. It was also decided to begin negotiations on an agreement on the exchange of customs information, which, according to the head of state, will increase the effectiveness of control and reduce delays at the borders.

The President called for the phased elimination of trade barriers, the convergence of technical, sanitary, and phytosanitary requirements, and also proposed to develop a “roadmap” for the unification of procedures and the creation of a joint coordination group on tariff and non-tariff barriers.

The priorities of industrial cooperation, cooperation with the Eurasian Development Bank, digitalization of customs administration, and the development of seamless cargo transportation were highlighted separately.

Uzbekistan also expressed interest in participating in the EEU’s technological platforms and integrating tourism information resources. In conclusion, Shavkat Mirziyoyev confirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to further expanding comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union.